Supporters let off flares in a Ligue 1 game between Montpellier and Saint-EtienneImage source, Getty Images
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Montpellier have won just four games in Ligue 1 this season

The Ligue 1 match between relegation rivals Montpellier and Saint-Etienne was abandoned after home fans threw flares on to the pitch and part of a stand caught fire.

Hosts Montpellier were trailing 2-0 when Sunday's fixture was stopped in the 62nd minute after Saint-Etienne striker Lucas Stassin scored his second goal of the game.

Referee Francois Letexier paused the match for three minutes when flares were thrown on the pitch but players were taken off the field shortly after when smoke and flames could be seen in the stand at Stade de la Mosson.

The game was abandoned following a 20-minute suspension.

Montpellier supporter behaviour caused a match to be abandoned in October 2023 when Clermont goalkeeper Mory Diaw was stunned by a firework that exploded next to him after being thrown from the stands.

Montpellier are bottom of Ligue 1 and eight points from safety, with Saint-Etienne one place and five points better off.

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